Union Pacific 4014 "Big Boy" in transit across the Black Rock Desert (Northern Nevada, USA)

[Roboticspro]

Hi,

First images posting here as a new member. I was fortunate to see the 1.2 million pound marvel three times during its journey across the US.

Regards,

Edd

 

[John2]

Nice series and interesting. That is a big beast. Imagine being in charge of that.

 

[Flack]

A very nice set. These old trains have living character, not like the new bland ones.

 

[Glenn]

A fine looking engine.

 

[Roboticspro]

Nice series and interesting. That is a big beast. Imagine being in charge of that.

John,

I was very fortunate to have a nearly 20 minute conversation with the head of the restoration, Ed Dickens, who happens to be the Engineer-in-Charge for Union Pacific on this project. Great guy, very personable, and he gifted two pins/medallions to my grandson (all of 8 years old) who is a certified train-nut, just like me...

 

[Roboticspro]

A very nice set. These old trains have living character, not like the new bland ones.

Thank you Flack!

 

[Roboticspro]

A fine looking engine.

Indeed Glenn; here is one while it was parked at the Western Pacific Museum (Portola, CA) for a photo-op with the locals, and the California Highway Patrol. They provided security details throughout its journey in California.

Regards,

Edd

 

[John King]

A very nice set. These old trains have living character, not like the new bland ones.

I don't care for large locomotives like this, A dirty oily with steam leaking from the pitons and valve gear says a lot more about a small industrial locomotive that has toiled away for decades just shows how well made they were. Mind you Gresley had a few good-uns.

 

[Roboticspro]

The series of 4-8-8-4's (25 were built, 8 survived, only 4014 is operational) that Union Pacific designed and built had but one purpose; to facilitate the supply of materials needed for the war effort during WWII. As a war veteran, the son of a war veteran that fought in Italy (Gorgolesco Massif) with the 10th Mountain Division, I appreciate the fact that these engineering marvels helped all of us in some way, a long time ago...